MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Here in the South Cape, there is no peak fire season, but rather, all year round is considered to be fire season.

So said the Mossel Bay Municipality in response to questions Mossel Bay Advertiser sent regarding controlled burning and the application of burn permits and firebreaks by landowners in the greater Mossel Bay area.

The municipality follows the FDI (Fire Danger Index) of the South African Weather Services when it comes to issuing permits, and all landowners in rural areas. Where applicable as per fire maintenance plans, some suburban landowners require burn permits. 

"Making firebreaks where required and within the legislative framework is the responsibility of the landowner, whether it is state, private or municipal land," said the municipality.

The permits are issued by Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management after thorough legislative processes are followed.

According to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act No. 101 of 1998, it is the responsibility of the landowner to manage and control burns. It is also their responsibility to report a fire that threatens to spread outside of the property.

Owners must also notify the local Fire Protection Association (FPA), if there is one in their area, of the intention to burn a firebreak. If the FPA objects, the owner may not burn the break on the day or days chosen.

Similarly, owners may not burn breaks if the fire danger is forecast to be high, or if the conditions are not conducive to the burning of firebreaks, that is, if there is a danger of the fire spreading.

"It is obvious to anyone with knowledge of veldfires that a firebreak can never stop every veldfire. There will inevitably be a time when conditions are so severe that a fire will cross a break, by spotting or otherwise," said the municipality. 

"On the other hand, experience has shown consistently and repeatedly that firebreaks are useful in stopping many fires, in providing a line from which to combat wildfires by backburning or other measures, and for protection of property generally.

"The preparation of firebreaks must be seen as one essential element of fire management."

All vegetation fires may be reported to 044 606 5000 (municipal switchboard and after-hours call centre), or 044 691 3722 for the municipal fire service, directly.

In case of vegetation fires in the rural sector, the municipal fire service can be alerted at the contact number provided, or call the Garden Route District Municipality directly on 044 805 5071.

To find out more about burn permit applications, click here.

For more safety tips, click here.

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